Northland largely unscathed in Pam’s wake

Northland appears to have escaped the aftermath of Cyclone Pam largely unscathed.

Tony Phipps, Group Controller for the Northland Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Group, says as of 7.15am today officials had no reports of serious damage or injury linked to the arrival of the cyclone yesterday.

Mr Phipps says Northland Regional Council figures showed the highest rainfall between yesterday afternoon and early this morning had been 67.5mm at Glenbervie, just east of Whangarei while the maximum wind gust recorded at Cape Reinga yesterday had been 118.5kph.

“Emergency services have reported a quiet night with few storm-related incidents although daylight may reveal some damage that we are as-yet unaware of given the heavy seas off Northland’s east coast overnight.”

Mr Phipps says given the devastation and misery Pam had caused in the Pacific, Northland – which often bears the initial brunt of tropical cyclones that reach New Zealand – had been fortunate it had eased as predicted as it drew closer.

“Our thoughts are now with those in the Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay and Bay of Plenty areas which are expected to feel Pam’s effects a bit more severely.”

Selwyn Manning, BCS (Hons.) MCS (Hons.) is an investigative political journalist with 23 years media experience. He specializes in reportage and analysis of socioeconomics, politics, foreign affairs, and security/intelligence issues.
Selwyn has extensive experience as a commentator and has provided live political analysis to a wide range of television and radio organizations broadcasting in New Zealand, Australia and globally including the BBC (Five Live, London) and BBC (World Service). He is currently a correspondent to Australia's FiveAA radio, and is a regular live-on-air panelist on Radio New Zealand's The Panel with broadcaster Jim Mora.